Days to treasure

When someone’s life is to be tragically cut short by illness, it takes a special kind of person to reach out and gift a day full of magic for them and their family. This is precisely what Melanie Quin was inspired to do and now she has a vision to make this a choice for as many people as possible - so that life’s magical moments can be celebrated to the very end.

Words Nicky Adams / Photos Jahl Marshall + supplied

The idea of a bucket list is born of the belief that there will be the opportunity at some point to complete it. However, for some, blindsided by terminal illness, time is a luxury that is tragically snatched away. Melanie Quin believes in celebrating life, and for those who have had their timeframe shortened, she has created the concept of A Day Of Magic, where dreams come true. 

For founder Melanie, the idea of starting a charity happened unexpectedly. In August 2019 she was touched to the core when she heard some devastating news about a local woman she remembered from college. “Out of the blue, I caught wind of the news of Kristie. When I heard she had four weeks left to live, I couldn’t even comprehend it. I called her and I asked if there was something she wished she could have done if she had more time. She said she would love to fly in a helicopter.”

This felt achievable, so Melanie set about making it happen. Except that she didn’t just stop at a helicopter ride. Working for three days and nights straight, she organised an experience for Kristie’s husband and children that also included a limousine, launch, lunch, a room at Twin Towers, an afternoon at Eagle Ridge with family and friends and an intimate gig with Tiki Taane. Oh, and a photographer and videographer to boot. The joy that this experience brought to Kristie, her family and indeed Melanie was something that left Melanie with the unshakable feeling that this was something that everyone in similar situations deserved to experience.

Since registering as a charity in August 2020, growth has been organic. Melanie has had five applicants and rolled out five equally thoughtful, beautiful events – among them a fishing charter, yachting experience, and time at Waihi Beach. She is now entering what she considers ‘Stage Two’ where she plans to take the concept to a whole new level, with a national reach. Melanie combines thoroughness with compassion, vision and a ‘make it happen’ attitude. Her business background enables her to operate effectively entirely on her own, and with no charge for her time, she relies on the backing of sponsors to roll out her plans. She has recently taken on a premises which will serve as both a base and an income stream for A Day Of Magic. Her plan is to find backers who share her vision.

When it comes to the wishes that she has so far granted, the experiences have been heartwarming. “People’s requests are incredibly modest. When I get the enquiry, I have a call with the person and tell them to go and talk to loved ones and think about what in their life has made them sparkle. So far no one has asked for anything extreme. If they do, I’m open to it – anything is possible I believe.”

The modest requests, Melanie reiterates, are a common thread: people don’t ask for the moon, just for things that resonate with them and their loved ones. Melanie has been blown away by the generosity of the companies she has reached out to along the way – and she is heartened by the knowledge that although she is the one physically making it happen, there’s a whole raft of people out there that believe in what she’s doing and want to help her do it.

It is this that spurs Melanie on and fuels her belief that with the right help she will be able to keep that magic happening. 

Adayofmagic.org.nz

Winter neutrals

Our picks from Galleria, Moochi’s latest offering.

Earthy undertones and heritage patterns designed for the adaptive dresser. Prints are amplified with a fresh pop of colour to lift the season’s winter hues.

moochi.co.nz

All that glitters

Sandali introduces its latest range

Words Nicky Adams / Photos supplied

As soon as Ali saw the striking silver rings crafted by Lebanese jeweller Rosa Maria, he knew that it was a look his business partner and mother Sandy would also love. While Ali’s aesthetic is minimalist and modern, Sandy adores the simplicity of silver, expressing her own distinctive style through jewellery. They both agreed that Rosa Maria rings, with their beautiful craftsmanship and statement finish, were the perfect fit for Sandali.

A rich Lebanese cultural heritage has provided Rosa Maria with endless inspiration for her stunning avant-garde pieces. Her range is extensive, and over the course of 20 years she has developed her own unique style, combining clever techniques with an array of precious metals and jewels. What struck Ali straight away was how Rosa Maria allows her clients to express themselves through her jewellery: “The rings are so cool – you can either choose a single statement piece, or she does these tiny stacker rings you can build up. It means that people can style themselves exactly how they want.” 

Using predominantly sterling silver with diamonds, Rosa Maria works with other semi-precious gems as well as yellow, white, and rose gold. She uses techniques such as oxidised and beaten silver with rose-cut yellow and black diamonds to great effect, and the result is a dramatic piece that feels contemporary or vintage, depending on the wearer. Ali believes the artistry as well as the quality is all part of the appeal. “People see the beauty – since we brought in her first pieces, I’ve had enquiries from everywhere from Northland to Hawaii.”

As the only Rosa Maria supplier in New Zealand, Ali is excited about continuing to build on this jewellery range. “We just love something with a point of difference – and these artisan pieces really are completely unique.” 

sandalihome.co.nz

Honouring memories

Jono Gibson of Cambridge Funerals believes funerals are for the living, and the industry is becoming more innovative every day.

Sharing a person’s life story and keeping their memory alive is what funeral director, Jono Gibson, likes best about his job. “It’s an honour to tell someone’s story. You don’t get a second chance, so it’s important it’s done right.” 

Jono’s interest in the funeral industry was first piqued in his early 20s, when he lost a good friend to a car accident. “The funeral process was new to me. It was very sad, but also fascinating. I spent time wondering about the journey my friend had taken from being in the car, to lying in a casket in front of me. I filed that in the back of my mind as something I’d like to investigate one day.”

After spending the first decade of his career in the radio business and sales, Jono eventually took some annual leave and spent a week doing work experience at a funeral home.

“When I joined the funeral industry in 2013, TV shows like Six Feet Under had glorifed it. A lot of people were entering the industry, but it’s a job you really need to be passionate about.  You soon learn if you’re cut out for it. Thankfully, I was.”  

Today, Jono is the funeral director at Cambridge Funerals in Cambridge, Waikato. Owned by Tauranga’s Legacy Trust, the Cambridge branch has recently been modernised, refurbished and will soon be renamed in keeping with the Legacy brand. Legacy Funerals has plans to expand further into the Waikato this year too, with a new office in Hamilton.

Jono offers the Cambridge community the same compassionate care that Legacy Funerals is known for. And like its sister company in Tauranga, profits from the business are gifted back to the local Cambridge community.  

For Jono it’s the people, the families of those who have passed on, that make the job rewarding. “I believe the funeral service is for the living; the people who are left behind. Making funeral services really special and memorable for them is my aim.”

Thankfully, Jono says, the industry is becoming more innovative, so a service and the venue can feel more personalised. Alongside the newly renovated Cambridge funeral home, the world is your oyster when it comes to places to hold a funeral with Legacy Funerals.

“Instead of a traditional church service, people now are choosing to farewell their loved ones in different ways. I’ve organised several funerals on the beach, services held at wedding venues, a hearse driving a lap of a horse racetrack, and arranged for an opera singer to sing hymns at one funeral so attendees didn’t feel pressured to. Making the whole process unique and relevant to the person concerned and their family is what matters most.”

Legacyfunerals.co.nz

The fitness diaries

New beginnings. Editor Hayley Barnett faces her fitness fears - and the dreaded fat scanner - to embark on a year-long self-improvement journey.

Photos Salina Galvan

Gyms have never been my jam. I joined one with a friend back in high school and we would regularly show up, hit the stationary bikes for five to 10 minutes, then saunter off to the sauna feeling very pleased with ourselves. It wasn’t until I joined my university gym that I realised I wasn’t really achieving anything. All that beer, combined with not growing taller, wasn’t doing me any favours either. So I started running, outside, away from the gym.

Over the years, the running has helped to keep me fairly fit, but as you get older, apparently, you need to build muscle everywhere. Something to do with your metabolism slowing down and hormones being thrown out of whack.

I liked the idea of joining ClubFit at Baywave because it was close to home, my kids did their swimming lessons there and I wanted to try the Body Combat class my friend always raves about. But, on my first consult with trainer Kiriwai Poroa, she advised that kicking my way to a stronger body in the beginning was not a wise move, and so reality kicked in instead.

She suggested having a BodyScan, a machine that measures everything from your weight to how much muscle and visceral fat you have. ‘Visceral what?’ I hear you say. The fat around your organs - the most dangerous fat. It turns out mine wasn’t that bad. My muscle to fat ratio, however, wasn’t great. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great, and Kiriwai had a plan. 

For the first few months, I am to focus on resistance training. Not only does it build muscle strength and tone, it also protects your joints from injury - magic words for a runner. She set up a programme including a circuit of five resistance machines, two body weight exercises and two cardio machines for warm up and cool down. I then downloaded the ClubFit app, where my workout is kept, showing exactly how many reps, weight and time to be spent on each exercise, so there are no excuses to be made, like blaming a foggy memory. The app even includes videos showing you the correct form for each exercise. You can connect it to other devices and monitor your heart rate while you exercise, as well as track outdoor movement, calories burned and distance travelled. It’s an all-in-one hub for your health and fitness. Technology has come a long way since my uni days.

Together with two resistance days a week, we agreed I would attend one Body Balance class per week, to get my stretch on and relax those muscles after a couple of outdoor running sessions. This is getting serious.

The biggest motivator (besides having my face splashed across a magazine) is going to be my visit back with the old BodyScan machine in three months’ time. Watch this space!

Follow Hayley’s journey at @unomagnz

clubfit.co.nz

A fine balance

Lisa Perko from Wantem Design reveals why texture and layering are crucial for any lived-in space.

Photos Jahl Marshall

Texture is one of the most important elements in interior design as it helps to keep a space from feeling flat and one dimensional. Adding texture allows a space to come alive and provides a tactile experience with many points of interest.

 Texture refers to the different surface qualities of floors, walls, rugs, furniture and soft furnishings, and texture can be either visual or tactile.

 For instance, walls can have a variety of tactile textures, from seagrass wallpaper to exposed brick. In the photos I’ve used a specialty paint finish called limewashing. Limewash creates surfaces that are mottled and matt with a chalky texture - something like suede. It lends a depth and luminosity to flat walls.

 I have introduced different textures and layering by grouping contrasting textures together - smooth polished décor items with matt textured ceramics or patterned objects. Plants are also an easy way to introduce texture into a room. Mixing materials and layering is the key to making textural elements work.

To get this right, don’t overdo it as introducing too much texture will result in a cluttered look, feel overwhelming and compete for your attention. The key is to balance it with neutrals and smooth clean lines to allow your eyes to rest.

To achieve a cohesive and welcoming textural experience, decide on your design style first and then work through the different elements of the room to explore where you can introduce texture. Start with the floor, then walls, furniture, lighting and ceiling, then soft furnishings and décor items.

A well-thought-through textured interior should create tactile moments that invite touch and delight the senses. Whether you choose a patterned rug to warm up your bedroom floor or a wooden coffee table to bring life to your living space, the importance of texture is clear. It completes the room. 

So don’t be scared to try different combinations and layers. Step back and assess the results. Do they add appeal to the overall design or just clutter? Keep experimenting until you feel you have achieved the right balance. Enjoy!

Perfect fit

Solect specialises in quality shoe brands that stand on their own two feet.

Words Nicky Adams / Photos Jahl Marshall

Light, bright, and breezy with an expanse of white space and sleek seating areas – walking into Tauranga Solect Shoe store, there’s a moment when I wondered if I’d just come in because it looks so darn restful. Then I glanced around and yep, I knew exactly what had brought me through the doors.

I love a relaxed shopping experience, and low-level music is a great first step. Good, knowledgeable customer service is a solid second. Then of course there’s the shoes themselves. Artfully displayed on minimalist style shelving, it’s all about the footwear. With a range that, in the words of branding manager Kat Farron, cleverly covers everything from “boots to Birkenstocks, sneakers to slippers, no matter whether you need to fit your feet out for the beach or the office, you’ll find it at Solect.” Catering for men and women, the range has been carefully curated. Here it is most definitely a case of less is more, so rather than sending your brain into anxious overdrive, the premium brands that have made it on to the shelves have done so because of their proven quality, performance, and heritage.

Solect prides itself on listening to its customer, so among the instantly recognisable classics sit some exciting additions. The Buffalo range is 100% vegan, with some of the boots even gaining the PETA tick of approval. While the puffy cloud soles and bouncy vibe is synonymous with the Spice Girls in the 90s, the combination of reimagined retro cool and super ethical has earned these boots and sneakers a space up there with the Dr Martens, Vans, and Timberlands. Another draw card is the extension of the Emu Australia range. While the uber Instagram-able sheepskin slippers are a firm favourite, this season the Emu cosy minis and leather ankle boots have been brought in to give the customers even more choice. As someone who loves to wear sheepskin boots all year round, I’m a pretty good road tester – and it’s fair to say I’m a big fan of this brand for its combination of price and durability.

Snuggly boots aside, the season ahead will see farm style Blundstones styled with flowing dresses, Dr Martens remaining the unisex wardrobe must-have, and street shoes and sneakers the cool, comfortable backstop. Whether for trends or staples Solect likes to think it has all bases covered. 

Solect.nz

Will Johnston

Will Johnston vows to keep it cool. It took some matrimonial mayhem to inspire Will to become a celebrant himself. Cringeworthy, cookie cutter nuptials? Awkward side eyes in the aisles? Not on his watch!

I pride myself on not being a boring old lady dressed in a curtain, adorned with some form of floral headdress, spouting love metaphors like I’m channelling Mr Darcy. 

Allow me to give you some context on this. I have three celebrants to thank (or blame, depending on how you look at it) for becoming a celebrant myself. They are the three who ran the weddings of mates of mine all over one memorable summer a few years back.

Culprit one, mid-ceremony, broke into prayer, followed sharply with a hymn – high-pitched and solo – at a wedding that the couple specifically requested be free of religion.

The second spent the entire ceremony calling the groom Max. His name is Matt. 

And the third opened the ceremony with the words, “Love is like a river…”. That’s where I tuned out. I couldn’t tell you a word of the rest of it. She also got in the car with the bride when she arrived and asked “if she was sure she wanted to go through with it.” Then said, “It’s not too late to back out”. Read the room, lady!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure that there are many who haven’t been taken with the untraditional diatribe I spout as a celebrant. But I’ve never sung a hymn at an atheist wedding. 

On the contrary, we are living in the Bay of Plenty of exceptional celebrants. I’m constantly blown away by the great people who get into the wedding industry full stop, actually. And the vastly experienced vendors that have constantly evolved with ever-moving wedding trends. 

There is one concept that I have held as gospel over the years I’ve been a celebrant: It’s such an honour to be invited to marry a couple, you owe it to them to not make it like every other ceremony they’ve been to. You must do something different every ceremony.

I remember doing a ceremony in Rarotonga a few years ago for some friends and there was a celebrant there who had three ceremonies to choose from. As in you pick one, write your names at the top and the bottom and it was done. Literally the definition of ‘insert your name here’. Seems a shame for such an idyllic setting.

Speaking of idyllic settings, the BOP has had a hell of a time over the last few years when it comes to weddings. Imagine buying a wedding venue, getting it all up to scratch ready for the summer ahead and then all of a sudden, it’s a global pandemic, the borders are shut, no one is allowed to leave their regions and there’s a 10-person limit at weddings. I’d cancel it too! 

I have a couple I’m going to be celebrant for at the end of 2023. They were supposed to get married on the first day of the first lockdown a few years ago. They rebooked right as we all got locked down again. And then again when the regional palaver kicked in. So they’ve just rebooked for two years’ time… Surely?!

At the end of every season, I look back on the weddings I’ve been part of and the people I’ve met over that time. There’s always a sentiment I feel at that point. It’s different at the end of every season, much like every wedding is different. But this last season was really one of thankfulness. If nothing else, the weird Covid world we’ve inhabited the last few years has given us perspective on when to be thankful. 

If you’re going to have literally the most expensive party of your lives, you may as well start it with a few laughs. If you’re getting married sometime soon, make sure you tell the person you’re using as a celebrant that. Otherwise, you might get a hymn-signing, curtain-clad lady. Ain’t no one got time for that, especially when there’s an open bar waiting! 

@radiowill

Bouncing back

We all deal with life’s curveballs in different ways, but surrendering to pain rather than enduring it will get you through even the toughest of times, says Fresh Coaching’s Anna Veale. 

Photo Salina Galvan

I recently returned from a long overdue trip back 'home' to the UK to visit my family and friends post Covid. One of the first things I noticed when I caught up with my friends is how tough the impact of Covid has been on mental wellbeing. 

Whilst we all deal with stress differently, resilience is a skill that prepares people against the inevitable suffering that life throws at us. 

One thing’s for sure, building resilience helps people adapt better to life’s curveballs, keeps self-esteem and confidence intact, allows people to handle setbacks without falling into a victim and blame mentality and promotes a growth mindset, looking at life with curiosity and compassion rather than fear and judgement. 

 Resilience isn't about 'sucking it up' or taking an 'it is what it is' attitude to the stressors of life, more a quality that empowers us to step back, take a bird’s eye view of a situation and compassionately process, accept and adapt to the challenges in front of us. 

Resilience asks us to accept difficulty with courage, to work with it, not against it. So how can we build resilience and prepare for adversity? 

Invite curiosity

By understanding your habitual thought patterns, you will become more equipped to step out of reactive behaviour when triggered by stress. You could start by asking yourself these questions: 

How do I currently react to triggering situations? 

What and who are my Achilles heels in terms of triggering a stress response?

How does my body respond to stress?

What tools do I already have to cope?

What habitual responses do I currently do which aren’t helpful? 

Having curiosity about how you react to situations will enable you to learn and grow rather than beat yourself up. 

Lean in

Suppressing emotions long term undermines our resilience so it’s important to get comfortable with noticing your emotions, recognising and labelling them. Do you push them down or do you go over and over the same scenario keeping you stuck in the same circumstance? Can you name the emotion you are feeling? What is the cause? How can you change the situation? 

Practice courage 

Knowing your values and living your life according to those values whilst challenging yourself daily to choose ‘hard over easy’ creates a compound effect when building resilience. 

Challenge yourself 

The body and mind are intrinsically linked so it is vital to check in daily with your body.

 Ideas on how to challenge yourself physically (check with a physician before commencing any new regime.)

Daily breath work or mindfulness practice

Cold showers/cold water therapy 

Physical exercise that pushes you out of your comfort zone

Like anything worth learning, developing resilience will take consistency, commitment and vulnerability. Meeting yourself where you are at and boldly working through challenges with an open mind will create an inner strength you didn’t know you had. 

freshcoaching.me

Skin revival

Constance Santos from Epidermis & Sage gets down to the finer details and pinpoints editor Hayley Barnett’s problem areas with the latest micro needling treatment.

Micro needling is the latest anti-aging treatment to hit the beauty scene and, not being one to shy away from skin rejuvenation as of late, I jumped at the chance to try it out. Closing in on 40, my skin isn’t quite the peaches and cream complexion that I regularly received compliments for in my younger days. To summarise the state of my skin, it needed emergency TLC stat.

When Constance explained how micro needling is administered I was a little concerned. I cried during a bikini wax once. But she assured me it wasn’t that bad. She also gave me a little rundown on how it works. 

Medical micro needling is designed to improve your complexion by activating the skin’s natural regenerative processes, which stimulates the production of collagen. Very tiny needles are applied into the top layer of the skin. This regenerates the skin cells by awakening the fibroblast that lies within the deeper layers. Then, through the process of healing, healthy collagen is produced and, after a course of treatments, skin is visibly revitalised.

So why would you choose microneedling over another form of skincare? Well, the Amieamed EXCEED is equipment that treats acne scarring, pigmentation, firms up sagging skin, activates collagen (so it softens lines and wrinkles) and minimises pore size. Constance says most of their clients use it for slowing down the aging process. 

After our initial consultation, Constance sent me home with a serum and retinol cream, both from SkinBetter Science, with vitamins A and C. This was to ensure my skin is hydrated and any sensitivity is addressed before treatment.

A month later I arrived for my 75-minute needling appointment. Firstly, my face was treated to a deep cleanse then a mini peel (Skinbetter Science peel pads) was applied. Then out came the needle. The needle depth is decided by what is being treated and skin thickness. Thankfully, my skin only required shallow needling. It’s always nice to hear that a beauty therapy session “won’t become a blood bath”.

The needle is run in soft lines or circles, depending on the area, across the face, neck and chest (and hands on request). “Some areas may be a little sorer than others during treatment but we’ve never had a client struggle to cope with the discomfort,” says Constance. The treatment is quicker than I anticipated. Constance moved skilfully across my forehead (the most painful part, apparently) and I didn’t bat an eyelash. The only area to bring about some jaw clenching was my neck, a particularly ticklish spot, so she zipped across the area, resulting in what looked like a vicious cat attack (the marks went down after an hour or so). In hindsight I should have just clenched and bared it.

The process is finished with the Lutronic HEALITE device, to really kickstart that growth factor response, and then a soothing and hydrating peptide gel mask is applied. 

After that, there’s very little down time. Results are accumulative so Constance recommends four to six treatments initially and then a couple of treatments per year to keep that collagen activated.

I was told my skin would feel a bit hot, like sunburn, for about a day, but I barely noticed it. I took home another peptide gel mask to pop on in the evening, which speeds up the healing. The redness was gone by the day after and I was advised to wear mineral make up. On day five, Constance followed up with a skin enzyme peel and another HEALITE. 

All in all, it wasn’t nearly as bad as it sounds and, four weeks later, I’m definitely seeing a renewed glow. Thanks Constance.

epidermissage.nz

Welcome to Miami

For the ultimate fun in the sun head to Florida, where the party never stops and the sun always shines.

Words Jenny Rudd

The Betsy Hotel rooftop pool at sunset.

Oh, hi there, passport, it’s been a while! As soon as the borders opened, I ran through my wish list for a dreamy April holiday. I wanted to learn from the biggest minds in the world of blockchain, and I wanted warmth. Miami has positioned itself as the global centre for Bitcoin, and has a growing reputation for its burgeoning food and culture scene. The white sandy beaches and tropical climate were very alluring, too, now that we’re heading towards winter.

For the past two years, we’d been using the booking.com app as it has a very flexible cancellation policy (looking at you, Covid), so that’s where we headed to check out hotels in Miami South Beach. There are masses of photos and reviews, which gives you lots of confidence to book somewhere perfect.

BETSY HOTEL, SOUTH BEACH, MIAMI

Betsy, darling, you are gorgeous! The hotel is total old-school glam in the best possible location. We could have spent the entire week within a five-minute walk of the hotel. The rooftop pool was like a scene out of a movie, looking towards the ever-sparkling ocean, with white umbrellas and crisply-dressed wait staff serving glasses clinking with ice and rum punch, sweet with Florida oranges.

Our suite overlooked the second swimming pool, set in a walled courtyard and flecked with blush-pink sun loungers, which matched the warm glow of the sun at sunrise and sunset. Art deco white tiling and curved lines met with modern tech in our bathroom - there was a TV screen built into the mirror above the sinks. We had lots of space with a separate living room decorated in wallpaper climbing with tropical ferns. Nothing was too much trouble for the friendly staff, and we were greeted each day in the lobby by the owner’s friendly dogs.

People watching is a full-time job in South Beach, and we were perfectly positioned on Ocean Drive, a pedestrianised road which runs along the oceanfront and is home to some seriously fun night life.

booking.com

THE VILLA CASA CASUARINA

Just a few doors down from the Betsy is Gianni Versace’s famous home, where he was murdered on the steps in 1997. Now a hotel, the building has been through various iterations since it was first built in 1930 by wealth made in oil. We couldn't resist checking it out. You can stay in one of the 10 suites if your budget extends that far. We were happy to walk around and imagine the parties that Madonna and Princess Diana came to in the nineties. It’s a tourist trap, but well worth it.

vmmiamibeach.com

ROSETTA BAKERY

We discovered this gem by accident. Driving down Collins Ave after we’d landed very early in the morning at the start of our holiday, we stopped at Rosetta to grab a coffee. I’m not sure how much butter and eggs these guys get through every day but we ate our fair share over the next week. The croissants were my kryptonite. And they accept Bitcoin over the Lightning Network, which made it our first ever Bitcoin payment in the real world!

rosettabakery.com

LINCOLN ROAD

Plenty of choices here for shopping and al fresco dining. Day and night you can wander down the length of the road and eat somewhere different. Fairy lights in the trees, gurgling fountains, music and a lot of laughter fill the air. We kept it pretty simple with steak and salads and stayed until late, then browsed the shops. My favourite line of the week came from a deliciously loud and camp shop owner who was trying to sell me a sequined mini-dress: “It’s Friday night and the body knows it.”

lincolnroad.com

JOIA BEACH, MIAMI

There are plenty of beautiful people in Miami, with a particularly high concentration at Joia Beach. This super-chic beachfront space is perfect for all-day boozy sessions overlooking the Biscayne Bay, and a lively night swaying your hips on the beach to the beats of the coolest DJs. We visited with an old school friend who’s settled in Miami. She shared lots of hilarious gossip about the antics of celebrities letting loose over a few sunset cocktails. Bookings are essential.

joiabeachmiami.com

7 MILE BRIDGE, FLORIDA KEYS

It’s only a couple of hours from Miami down to the chain of coral islands. Driving across the bridges between keys is magical, floating over an undulating blue blanket of sparkles. Pigeon Key, off the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge, is a little dot of land between Marathon and Duck Key. Bike along the old bridge to get there, or take a 10-minute ferry from Faro Blanco Marina in Marathon. There’s a one-hour guided tour to learn about the rich history of the island and its role in housing the railway workers who helped build the Seven Mile Bridge, an engineering feat which linked Florida to the Keys.

pigeonkey.net

KEY WEST, FLORIDA KEYS

Drive as far as you can go across the bridges and you end up in Key West. Duval Street in the centre of town was alive with drag shows, weed shops, karaoke and live music. All the bars were open to the road with no windows, and conch fritter vendors sent out buttery seafood aromas into the tropical air. This is a place to be happy. Holiday-makers stay permanently lubed up, walking the streets with plastic beakers of margaritas and piña coladas. We stayed at the Mermaid and Alligator Guest House, which we booked on the fly with the booking.com app. We were drawn in by the photos of the pool shaded by palm trees. A great score!

Jenny’s stay at The Betsy Hotel and the Mermaid and Alligator Guest House was courtesy of Booking.com

Breaking new ground

At the flooring industry’s coal face, men dominate the hands-and-knees’ work, but this mother and daughter duo are bucking the trend. 

Words Jo Ferris / Photos Alan Gibson

Sarah and Caitlin Tavendale might not install flooring; but from go to whoa, theirs are the faces customers see most. It’s a unique situation – and relationship. Not only do they own and operate a Harrisons Carpets and Flooring franchise each, they are the only mother and daughter in New Zealand to do so. Furthermore, Caitlin – at 24 – is the youngest owner in the country. She was just 22 when offered a franchise, fresh out of university. With a drive to succeed and a passion for interior design, there was no stopping her.

Sarah had already been in the Harrisons family for more than two years - a big step, but not as daunting. Seventeen years as a legal executive and several years as a co-owner in a recruitment company, was followed by an intensive nine years as operations manager for a family fishing business.

“It was time to do something for myself, something I was passionate about and had more control.”

That opportunity arose when Harrisons’ previous owner in Tauranga wanted to retire. Meeting Harrisons’ criteria, Sarah threw herself into invigorating a business she knew was ready for some fresh ideas.

“It was either sink or swim – so I jumped right in.”

Utilising Harrisons’ systems and flying solo, Sarah increased business within 12 months, expanded her installation teams and moved premises. By definition, that doesn’t mean a public showroom, but having a well-equipped warehouse to run a better operation. 

The Harrisons’ model is mobile. Hands on. Same branding, systems and products. Otherwise, it’s all about the franchisees. In Sarah and Caitlin’s case – they are the only people customers see, until contractors move in. Even then, these women remain hands on until the end.

 It’s pivotal to this duo’s success – that, and an exceptionally close relationship. Not all mothers and daughters can work together; even get on, at times. These women are not only great friends, but share ideas and visions for both businesses – usually over a glass of wine.

Gaining a degree in HR and commercial law, Caitlin admits she didn’t know what she wanted to do, initially. Helping Sarah with office administration, her plan was to head to Australia. Then Covid hit. Followed by something else that changed their lives.

With Tauranga’s exploding growth, the opportunity arose to buy a new area. Caitlin wasn’t sure – until interviews and initial concerns by head office cemented a stronger desire to succeed. Even Sarah had initial hesitations, not on Caitlin’s ability, but more about her own reservations. Between them now, they cover Tauranga North and Tauranga Central – early Papamoa down the Mount coastline and from Greerton to Waihi Beach.

Eighteen months on, Caitlin is as passionate as her mother. Sharing premises, they now employ permanent office staff and have several contractor teams.

Life is full on. Working out of the familiar Harrisons’ branded vans – both women believe the mobile model is key. However, it’s their one-on-one approach, often working together in their desire to help people choose the right products, textures and colours for their homes. Taking samples to the home eliminates homeowners running back and forth – as consultations are all handled within their own space.

For these women, people don’t just buy a product, it’s about the service.

As a brand, Harrisons was highly recommended by Readers Digest in its 2022 most trusted list. Sarah and Caitlin are proud to belong to that wider acclaim.  

“We’re proud of what we have achieved so far, and look forward to the future.”

Dynamic women – obviously with much more up their sleeves. 

harrisonscarpet.co.nz

To the lake house

Papamoa’s Pacific Lakes Village opens its celebrated Lake House

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor / Photos Jahl Marshall

Some may ponder whether it’s possible, but life has just got even better at Pacific Lakes Village.

The already widely admired lifestyle village, located on the coastal stretch between Mt Maunganui and Papamoa, has recently celebrated the opening of its Lake House.

Pacific Lakes Village Manager Mark Vincent says the Lake House – so named as it is beautifully positioned over one of the village lakes – will cater for a wide range of resident activities.

Architecturally designed, the Lake House offers a fabulous community hub for events, activities and socialising and incorporates sweeping decks and a barbecue area over the lake. It is home to the Little Green café, which has been welcomed with great excitement by residents, Mark says.  Adding to the socialisation options, and positioned alongside, is a full-size, green-weave bowling green. 

“Our intention has always been to offer our residents a unique, modern, and engaging community with resort-styled living in a place that is both tranquil and energising. The Lake House is a big part of that picture. We’re delighted and encouraged by the positive feedback we are receiving from everyone who is so proud to call this village home, and from those hoping to make it home,” Mark says.

Also impressing people is the fact the Lake House is totally in-line with the village’s overall sustainability ethos – it operates off-the-grid, with solar power and a rainwater recycling system. The Green café alone can boast many sustainable aspects too. 

Mark says the completion of the Lake House demonstrates the direction and quality of Pacific Lakes Village and has been a big milestone for the village.

“We have more than 180 residents and with the Lake House comes a gathering point and the opportunity to establish a real sense of community. That’s extra important to us as our model is firmly rooted in hospitality – somewhere you’d be happy to visit and invite friends to visit.”

The need for such a gathering place will only increase as the village grows. By the end of the year, 160 homes will be constructed. When completed, the village will comprise 250 homes set amongst tranquil park-like grounds and private lakes. The next stage of villas and terrace houses are selling now.

While the Lake House (which opened in mid-May) is already garnering many ticks of approval, it is actually a precursor to a planned, larger pavilion. With an estimated cost of more than $30 million, it will be one of the largest and most comprehensive community facilities in any NZ lifestyle village.

Pacific Lakes Village Director Graham Wilkinson says the rapidly burgeoning Bay of Plenty population will be watching this village with interest, especially those seeking a more upscale living and caring environment than previously offered in the area.  

The village is part of the Generus Living Group, which has an unrivaled reputation for creating some of New Zealand’s most respected lifestyle villages. That respect includes an appreciation that Generus Living strives to make a difference in providing upscale sustainable living environments.

Sustainability abounds

Pacific Lakes Village is steeped in sustainable and eco-friendly ways of living, and its residents are loving this.

A recent resident survey illustrated that a sustainable lifestyle is either important or very important to 94.43 percent of village residents and more than half of the respondents said the approach to sustainability contributed to their decision to purchase at the village.

Examples of this sustainable approach are many and include:

• Plans for Pacific Lakes Village with a glasshouse, a climate-controlled growing house, and a variety of fruit trees 

• Each residence has its own raised garden beds for vegetable growth

• The village is creating its own ecosystem via a series of waterways, fed from rainwater and natural aquifers that will support the regeneration of plant and birdlife

• The Lake House is first of its kind - almost everything about the building celebrates sustainability. Aligned with sustainable building design, it is off the grid with solar power and a rainwater recycling system. Building materials have been carefully considered and, whenever possible, environmentally preferable solutions have been selected 

• The Little Green Café products have been mindfully selected. For example, the menu features coffee sourced from ethical, sustainable and socially responsible traders; and an organic soda range from a NZ company on a mission to find ingredients good for the land, and good for the people who grow and consume them

• The Little Green Café also minimises its waste, which is destined for the village’s worm farms or green waste composting facilities. Ecoware take-away cups are made from plants, although residents are encouraged to bring their own Keep Cups

• Pacific Lakes Village has received a remarkable gold status on Tauranga City Council’s Resource Wise Business Programme, thanks to diverting more than 98 percent of operational waste from landfill 

• Chemical use is minimised in landscaping, solar energy is utilised, LED lighting is favoured, there are EV charging stations, and water is conserved through the utilisation of smart technology.

In short – a sustainable lens is adopted to all aspects of the business.

Benefiting the community

When completed, Pacific Lakes Village will have involved an investment of almost $300 million, says Director Graham Wilkinson. The bulk of that has gone to local suppliers and contractors – plus, the village provides employment on an ongoing basis.

“Generus Living’s business model has always been to work with the community and part of that involves supporting local and incorporates our sustainability programme. We’re also proud to announce the recent introduction of an Ebba Te Tua scholarship with a focus on furthering Māori education.”

The scholarship has been introduced in association with Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks Incorporated (MPBI) – Generus Living’s development partner. Generus Living and MPBI have worked together as joint venture partners for almost a decade in developing first Pacific Coast Village and now Pacific Lakes Village. This unique partnership is a marriage of experience and capital with land and tradition and is committed to continuing to collaborate and create value with and for the community it serves.       

pacificlakes.co.nz

A will to give

The Acorn Foundation hands over millions every year to deserving community projects. But, what sets them apart from many other charities, is that they’ve succeeded in creating an innovative way to ensure their precious donors’ money is a gift that keeps on giving.

Words Nicky Adams / Photos supplied

Established 19 years ago, the Acorn Foundation may have started as a seed of an idea, but fast forward to now, and it’s grown into a whopping, solid oak. As with anything, it’s important to be innovative to succeed, and whilst Acorn is often known as the charity that many people donate to via their will, corporate giving is a vital part of the donation system. It is through this avenue that Farmer Autovillage, to celebrate its 30th anniversary, has chosen to support the Acorn Foundation. The Farmer Autovillage programme is a scholarship aimed at helping school leavers put funds towards tertiary education to be run at Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke colleges, and implemented for the first time this year.

As a community organisation, Acorn Foundation is based upon the concept of place-based giving. CEO Lori Luke explains: “The way Acorn is different is the whole idea of the perpetuity model – our capital is invested – Craigs is our partner, and what we distribute is a percentage of the returns. That makes us different from a standard charity that’s raising money on an annual basis. The perpetuity model is a powerful one.” Essentially this is a way of donating to your community via a charity that invests the funds on your behalf. The dividends are then passed on to the charities of your choice, meaning that it’s not just donors that have grown over the years, but also the funds – unbelievably, there is currently almost $60 million under management.

Lori Luke continues: “We’ve grown really rapidly. Historically, we were always known as the organisation that gifts in a will – that’s still our primary business – but there’s a lot more living giving now, and all sorts of other ways to do it, such as small groups and corporate giving, which is how Farmer Autovillage came to us.”

While primarily centred on Western Bay of Plenty, Acorn does help donors nationally. Indeed, as well as other scholarships and awards, it distributes the prestigious Jann Medlicott prize for fiction. However, it’s the local stories that resonate the most, such as that of The Eva Trowbridge Scholarship, says Lori. “Eva left money locally to support adult learners – that’s been going for 15 years – Eva was a cleaner at the hospital and saved her coins and those coins have helped 15 women finish school. The one thing that a lot of people think is that you must be very wealthy to give back to a community. To be honest most of our donors are very humble people who just want to make a difference.”

With Acorn, everyone chooses what they want to support – some will leave their money unrestricted, but about 60 % of the money is tagged which means either specific charities or a field of interest like animals or the environment can be supported. “We have an anonymous donor who donates swimming lessons because he lost a child at age four to a drowning accident, so he now pays for two or three entire schools to get swimming lessons.” Another inspirational donation comes via a gift from the Roy and Mary McGowan estate, which has enabled the launch of a Vital Signs Youth Report. “They didn’t have children of their own but had a huge interest in the wellbeing of young people. We have a big initiative in the youth space at the moment. That will be a strong focus – the idea of helping young people in this region to live lives that they value and smoothing the path to adulthood.”

However, Lori points out that over the last six or seven years, the focus has moved to living giving, so that donors can give money while they’re alive “that way they can see where it’s going and who its helping – and they get a tax credit!” With 99% of the money remaining within the charity, the amount of work from volunteers and the team is incredible. Lori is herself from a business background, and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it all. “I’m at a point in my life where giving something back is tremendously personally beneficial so it’s a fantastic job. All of us involved are very privileged because we really feel like we can make a difference. Over the years heaps of community people have put their hands up to help Acorn succeed.”

And succeed it certainly has – with Acorn seeing some important milestones over the last couple of years – it has given to more than 200 causes, passed the $50million mark in funds under management, this year distributed $2million for the first time, and given $10million in total over the life of the foundation. That’s one mighty Acorn all right.

acornfoundation.org.nz

farmerautovillage.co.nz

LEXUS family drive

Future of family motoring

How does an EV handle a weekend away with the kids in tow? Surprisingly – and delightfully – well, as we discovered.

Words + photos Hayley Barnett

With petrol prices skyrocketing and showing no signs of returning to Earth, the case for EVs (electric vehicles) or hybrid cars has only become stronger. And that’s before we get to the environmental benefits. While some naysayers doubt the very real science behind climate change, I think we can all agree that the pain at the petrol pump is very real. 

But when we think about selling our petrol engine car and upgrading to an EV, there’s always the nagging thought that, while great for zipping around town running our everyday life errands, they wouldn’t work when it came to embarking on family holidays or road trips.

This is where people turn to hybrids, which have both petrol and electric engines, with the traditional combustion engine kicking in when you run out of kilowatts. 

But, let’s face it – the petrol engine is old technology and on the way out. Is the future of pure EVs ready to be embraced today? And do they fit in with the Kiwi way of life?

We already know that they’re absolutely fine for the school run, the office commute, and trips to the supermarket. So my partner and I decided to put our holiday on the line, load up an EV with suitcases and our two children and drive from Papamoa to Auckland for a long weekend.

For this ambitious road trip, we borrowed the Lexus UX300e in a glistening cobalt blue. This luxurious front-wheel drive, fully electric vehicle boasts a 150kw engine, five seats, a pumping sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, a two-tone leather interior and, most importantly, a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Coming from our larger Nissan Murano, there were initial concerns about the four of us squeezing into the Lexus. But those were quickly dismissed. The generous boot space easily had enough room for the family luggage, and neither Mr Four nor Miss Seven moaned once as their car seats clicked into place. We were closer than we were used to, but everyone had more than enough room. 

Instead of roaring into life after pressing the start button, the UX300e is relatively silent. After double-checking that yes, I’d started it up correctly, I shifted into reverse and carefully backed out of the drive. As you’d expect, there was a great reversing camera; it has a lovely big and bright colour screen, as well as an overhead view of the car.

At first, my unleaded petrol foot was a bit heavy on the brakes, giving us a fairly stuttery start to our journey. But after a few kilometers, I’d acclimated and my driving started to match the smoothness of the ride. Sinking into the extremely comfortable seats, we left Tauranga and hit the motorway. 

Out on the open road, there were no signs of struggle from the car’s electric engine. It soared up hills, cruised along straights, and whizzed effortlessly past any slow coaches in the passing lanes. 

We’d been told the car had a 300km range, although I couldn’t help but keep one watchful eye on the battery meter, which is conveniently styled as a traditional fuel gauge. With tunes streaming to the stereo and the aircon on, I felt a bit nervy that we’d run out of juice.

The worry was needless. We had just under 100kms “in the tank” when we hit the Bombays. But as we’d stopped for lunch and a session at Waihi’s terrific kids’ playground, we were coming into rush-hour traffic. I didn’t want to risk a breakdown, so pulled into the charging station at the Bombay Hills EV charging station. While the family went off to get a snack, I plugged the car in and refilled. About half an hour, and $26 later, we were charged up and good to go.  

Driving past the petrol stations, with their dirty fumes and outrageously high prices, I couldn’t help but feel a little smug that the trip to Auckland had cost less than Friday night fish ‘n’ chips.

We spent the next three days buzzing around the city, the Lexus capably getting us around Auckland -- and through its traffic – without breaking a sweat and with fantastic power economy. We couldn’t believe our luck when we spotted an EV park right outside the Auckland Museum entrance, especially as it was pouring with rain. We weren’t on empty, but decided to charge up during our visit anyway and were surprised to find it was free. Yes, free! That’s even better than Friday night fish ‘n’ chips.

We didn’t need to charge up again until right before heading home on Sunday. 

It was hard to hand the keys back on Monday morning. The trip away in the UX300e absolutely cemented the idea that EVs are the future of motoring, and that we can’t wait to be rid of the environmentally and financially disastrous petrol engine for good. 

lexus .co.nz

Smooth ride

Fancy a road trip? Douglas and Heather Stewart took in the South Island’s stunning autumn foliage in their brand-new EV.

Words Jo Ferris / Photos Jahl Marshall

Douglas and Heather Stewart’s transition from their petrol Toyota RAV to a Lexus EV might have begun knowing Lexus is the luxury brand within Toyota’s stable. Their decision to buy a Lexus, however, involved learning about EVs – then driving one around the South Island soon after.

After 45 years overseas, the couple came home for their final retirement phase. Settling in Katikati in March 2019, and aware of the move towards clean cars, Heather says they “wanted to do their bit”. She was quite happy, however, that Douglas did the research.

While the technology, terminology, and types of low-emission vehicles can be confusing, Douglas learned quickly. Having looked at hybrids, it was full EV or nothing. Then it simply boiled down to brand.

Looking across the board, nothing else but Lexus stood out. It wasn’t until a Tauranga dealership opened in June 2021 that the Stewarts took the next step.

”We saw the first demo in November, went for a test drive, and ordered one straightaway.”

Although an “EV virgin”, Douglas was smitten. The Lexus doesn’t top the price range, but the UX300e Limited SUV still had all the bells and whistles. It was the capacity, comfort, and safety the Stewarts really liked.

So much so that, within weeks of getting their car in March, they were off to explore the South Island’s autumnal glory. Comfortable with the car’s mileage capacity, Douglas planned their trip around charging stations – an aspect he cannot stress enough. That even includes booking accommodation that offers charging.

New Zealand’s growing range of charging stations made the trip easy. It was a major journey – some 4300 kms; leaving Katitkati for a night at their favourite Creel Lodge in Turangi, then to Wellington and the ferry. In three weeks, the Stewarts travelled from Picton to Te Anau, Wanaka and Geraldine; up to Hanmer Springs, Murchison, Nelson; back to Picton and the ferry for a final night at Turangi.

A huge effort by anyone’s standards – let alone in an EV, bought just weeks prior. The only hiccup occurred on the way to Murchison. With no charging facilities in Hanmer, the plan was to top up in Murchison to make Nelson. Douglas hadn’t allowed for rain, wipers, and lights – and the subsequent power reduction. AA membership is handy at times.

As to cost, Douglas estimates the journey was under a third of his petrol car. Charging at home is also minimal compared with the alternative petrol outlay. Otherwise, it’s a trip to a rapid charger nearby, when out shopping. While his Lexus battery is guaranteed for eight years, Douglas believes ongoing research will reduce degradation, lighten their weight, and  improve disposal.

EVs may still be cost-prohibitive to many right now, but Douglas believes they are the future, and he cannot praise Lexus Tauranga enough.

“Would I buy an EV again? Most certainly,” he says. “Would it be a Lexus? Absolutely. And would I buy in Tauranga? No doubt about it.”

Good to know

Douglas says the Lexus UX300e Limited SUV has a number of features that made their road trip a (mostly) smooth success.

• 360km (approx), 300km (average) capacity 

• 7.5s acceleration (0-100km/hr)

• Road stability and road handling

• Weight distribution of battery pack and sectional componentry  

• 360-degree camera in the console

• Cruise control 

• Triple-brake configuration 

• Pre-collision system with visual and audio alerts 

• Brake assist system with automatic application in an emergency

Douglas’ top tips

• Top up to 80 percent. The final 20 percent takes longer to charge than the 80 percent.

• A full three-point plug charge takes 16 to 18 hours. Rapid is about one hour and 10 minutes.

• Join ChargeNet for access to more than 250 fast-charge stations in New Zealand.

• PlugShare app maps all free-to-use stations around the country.

• Join AA.

lexus.co.nz

Wake up to Whakatāne

Central Whakatāne is a small place that packs a big punch. Stroll through the shops and sites in a weekend of fun and adventure.

Words Hayley Barnett / Photos supplied

Central Whakatāne has so much to offer within such a small geographical area. Over just one weekend, you can shop till you drop at one of the CBD’s many boutiques. There’s plenty of parking, no traffic jams and the perfect number of shops to get around in a day, leaving you ample time for wining and dining. In the afternoon, hike along some of the country’s most beautiful coastal tracks, before heading back to a comfortable, modern motel that suits your every need. 

 DO

Warren Cole and River Edge walk and cycleways 

For an easy walk or cycle, head along this beautiful riverside trail. Fully paved, the walkway offers stunning scenery, from river views to beach landscapes. Upstream, near the Whakatāne River mouth, walkers and cyclists will find the wharf area where there’s plenty to do, especially with the kids. If you’re a fan of birdwatching, the salt marsh, about midway along the track, is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of many different species.

Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail 

The Footprints of Toi includes three major scenic reserves - Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Mokorua Scenic Reserve. Accessible to most people, it can be undertaken in sections or as a 16km round trip. The total trip can be completed in five to seven hours, but if you intend to do this, it is recommended you do so in a clockwise direction as the track is far easier to tackle than the opposite way. The coastal views, historical sites and native forest make this trail a must-do for visitors.

Kiwi Wandering Trail 

If you have the kids in tow, be sure to hit the Kiwi Wandering Trail. On this self-guided scavenger hunt, you need to seek out 10 life-sized bronze kiwi statues, all hiding in the heart of Whakatāne. Starting at the library and finishing at Wairaka Centennial Park, the 1.6km trail will only take about an hour but it’s a full hour of fun for big and little kids (and adults) alike. 

SHOP

 Him.Her

Fashionistas rejoice. This little boutique stocks some the biggest local labels including Saben, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Augustine and Federation, along with international brands like New Balance and One Teaspoon.

 Capiz

The female fashion-conscious shoppers can continue on to Capiz where they’ll find big names like Kate Sylvester, Trelise Cooper, Workshop, Ricochet, Kow-tow, Ketz-ke, Kathryn Wilson, Silk & Steel, and Deadly Ponies, to name just a few.

 The Good Tonic

Sourcing and creating ethical and sustainable products, The Good Tonic is a design studio and store that goes the extra mile. They also have an instore deli named Little Thyme. 

 Salt Air Surf

Around since 1993, this clothing store offers every major surf and skate label you can think of and the staff will even educate you with some handy surf tips while you shop.

 Whitegold

This mix of all things modern yet timeless is the perfect place for gift shopping. With maternity, kids’ fashion and on-trend homeware all on offer, you’ll find something for everyone, but will end up keeping most of it for yourself.

 Pear

Pear is a French and European-inspired boutique homewares store offering everything from lighting, furniture and soft furnishings to toiletries, candles and condiments.

EAT

 Café 4U

Cafe 4U is a local favourite. The delectable meals and baking are all made in house and it’s the kind of food that keeps you coming back for more. The diverse menu means there’s something for everyone, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a bad review.

 Double Zero

This pizzeria is sure to tickle your tastebuds after a day of shopping. It also offers coffee and gelato to keep you going for another round, or dessert before heading home.

 The Wagon

If a gourmet burger is what you’re after, then jump on this Wagon. Dine in or take away, these delicious hearty burgers cater to vegetarians and also offer delicious sides like onion rings and chicken wings.

 Volk & Co

Volk & Co is a coffee brew bar, or caffeine dealer as they’re known to locals. Located in the centre of Whakatāne, they specialise in espresso, filter and cold coffee brewing, as well as cabinet food.

 STAY

 The Com Plex 

One of the oldest buildings in Whakatāne, this motel can also claim to be the newest. Its six heritage suites and two twin-share suites are situated above a beautifully restored heritage building that also houses a family-friendly restaurant and bar, The Comm. And its 20 studio suites were recently built on the site once occupied by the original Commercial Hotel, which first opened in 1917.   

White Island Rendezvous

This modern motel is situated on a quiet, tree-lined street, but is only minutes away from the main shopping and restaurant precinct. It’s the only motel to offer its own onsite cafe, which is popular with locals for coffee and breakfast. 

Tuscany Villas

Located in the heart of the CBD, this four-star motel is perfectly situated if you want to be in the hustle and bustle of Whakatāne life. If you’re looking for a good time, the owners also run Little Havana Bar and Restaurant across the road. 

One88 On Commerce

A five-minute drive from Ohope Beach, One88 on Commerce offers air-conditioned suites and prides itself on its cleanliness and presentation. The live-in managers have run it for over 10 years and, if it’s hospitality you’re after, they’ll provide it in spades.

whakatane.com

Selling trust

Owen Cooney Consultancy brings a change of mindset to traditional investment strategies.

Words Nicky Adams / Photos Jahl Marshall

Before making any investment decision, Owen Cooney uses what he calls the “mum test”. “I ask myself if this is something I would want my mother involved in – if the answer is no, then I walk away.”

A partner at Tauranga-based law firm Cooney Lees Morgan (CLM) since the 1980s, Owen was founding partner of the firm’s hugely successful property development division. Owen was responsible for putting together groups to acquire premium property assets. Not only did he enjoy this, but he saw the benefits that could be gained. As his appetite increased, Owen’s career saw a shift in direction, and after retiring as a partner from CLM in 2020, he decided to continue with what had developed into a passion project.

Establishing Owen Cooney Consultancy at the end of 2021 seemed like the next natural step in a journey that had really started as far back as 2008 when, together with his mother and brother Pete (managing director of Classic Group), the family had been keen to purchase an investment property. “When we started looking around, we couldn’t see anything that we considered premium in that $2-3 million range. That led us to the conclusion that looking in the $10 million-plus range took us out of the ruck and above a lot of the private buyers. There was less competition, and at that price we found a different level of building.” 

When it came to starting up the consultancy, Owen already had an established client base, most of whom would have known or dealt with him over his many years at Cooney Lees Morgan. It also provided a seamless opportunity to continue working alongside his family, with OC Consultancy operating in conjunction with Classic Collectives Ltd (a joint venture company). However, part of the business model for OCC is the idea of bringing investment opportunities to a bracket who hitherto may not have looked to large commercial investment as a viable option. Those with less financial resources to invest quite feasibly might not have considered this type of opportunity would be open to them. 

“Traditionally, young Kiwis wanting to build a bit of wealth for themselves have bought a rental property. In the early 2000s there was a real boom in the concept of residential property investments – that’s been the formula for generations of Kiwis. But now it’s not quite the same – residential property has increased by 40 percent in the past 18 months, raising the deposit has become too hard for a lot of people, and the government has taken off the tax deductibility. Plus, there’s the complexity now of the tenancy laws. So, owning a private rental property is less attractive and quite hard for a lot of people.”

Commercial investment, on the other hand, requires something of a mindset change, as does the concept of pooling resources. “You’re playing as a team rather than individually. It’s risk free from the point of view that in the structures we set up you’re not exposed to risk personally. The only risk you have is losing the money you put in, which is a risk any investment has. You put your money in, you get a yield straight away – a monthly return on your money. Being involved in a larger team we can access better properties with better tenants that are going to pay the bills.”

The skill of OCC is sourcing premium properties that will bring passive investment. “Developments are too risky; we don’t bring those to these clients. Under the banner of commercial, industrial properties are considered the darling of the market. Supermarkets are a great investment. We’ve got an open mind as long as it ticks the box of long-term security of the rent.” For their part, investors need to consider this a long-term prospect, of a five-year time horizon. After this there is a strategic review (although an exit strategy can be triggered before five years).

With the benefit and comparative ease when put against a residential investment, the appeal for not just the seasoned investor, but also the younger market looking for a way onto the wealth ladder is multi-faceted. Spearheading this aspect alongside Owen is business development manager Melanie. Having worked with Owen since last year, she is excited not just about the prospects for younger clients, but also about Owen’s personal mentoring skills. “Owen would never say this about himself, but he’s awesome at helping others do better, educate and grow. There’s a better future when you’re in the game with Owen.”

As for the bottom line, Owen states: “In terms of the amount invested by individuals, of the existing investor groups we have, it varies from $250,000 to $1.5 million. As for the question of how you qualify, for now we’re working on the basis that we’re a boutique business with many of our investors being old clients of mine. What we’re selling is trust. If someone trusts us and they want to be a part of this, we’re happy to talk to them.”

Email info@occ.nz and reference: UNO 

occ.nz

Sister act

Good things come in threes – and Nectar, the third hospitality venue from sisters Jess Mackenzie and Shelby Rafferty, certainly brings charm and class to Tauranga’s social scene.

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor / Photos Erin Cave + supplied

When Jessica (Jess) Mackenzie and Shelby Rafferty say Tauranga’s new hospitality offering named Nectar delivers something excitingly different for the city, best believe them.

Not only are the two sisters the owners/creators of Nectar, they also know their patch. Located at 97 The Strand, Nectar is but a hop, skip, and jump from The Crown and Badger and Volare – both owned by this young duo. Jess (30) and her parents bought Crown and Badger five years ago, and about a year ago, Shelby (26) returned from her nursing job – and lengthy pandemic lockdowns – in Melbourne to secure an ownership interest in all three places. Jessica has assured her there will be time for a breather on the buying front now that property number three has been purchased! After all, the sisters are “super excited” about Nectar and are loving watching an appreciative public become acquainted with this new offering on the block.

It's hard, they say, to define Nectar’s “excitingly different” vibe within a mere sentence. So, they offer a few…

“It’s a premium venue without the pretentiousness. It’s a place to hang out and it incorporates some Melbournian kind of fun.

“It’s an all-day eatery (a day and night place), a place to relax with special occasion food in an inviting atmosphere. 

“Think big-city vibes, not standard café food. It’s not a café and not a wine bar. The food’s delicious and flavour-wise diners can expect to be pushed and challenged. There are lots of sharing plates to suit Nectar’s social theme.

“There are couches by the fire, high leaners, mid-height leaners, tables, and booths. There are power plugs and USB chargers everywhere as Nectar is wired for connectivity. It really is a hangout.

“It offers a sense of elegance. It’s also relaxing and classy, approachable and fun. It’s a balance between lots of wonderful things – and a place where people want to be.” 

It is also an undeniably beautiful place, in terms of both locality and décor. Jess has been making eyes at the building (long-time home to Japanese restaurant Tikara) for the last four years. 

“I have stared out at it from the Crown and Badger, thinking, ‘I need that big site with its full sun.’ When I knew it was coming up, I knew we had to get in quick. It’s so beautiful, and has water views too,” she enthuses. The corner site can sit 48 inside comfortably, but 150 all up when the pavement area is included.  

Sitting inside is inarguably a delight, thanks to interiors with wow. 

“There’s greenery galore – it’s a bit of a jungle,” Shelby laughs, adding that there’s a lot going on, but it works so well. Décor delights include glossy green tiles, oak features including a wall in a stunning herringbone pattern, hand-blown glass light fittings of varying shapes, gorgeous upholstery, rimu and tawa floorboards, and walls of green (painted by Shelby and Jess). There’s also rainforest-themed wallpaper and a dramatic, 2.5 metre-tall mural featuring a woman at one with plants. It’s “unique and empowering and perfect.”

The seating booths and oak features were created by Christchurch company Harrows, and Auckland’s Sophie Burns of Burning Red Interior Design masterminded the interior design. Other than that, the focus was very much on local creatives, from both the big details to the small. The entire fit out was tackled by Mt Maunganui-based Ramma Construction, the dramatic mural is the work of local artist Millie Newitt, and the water jugs are from the pottery wheels of Waihi’s Laughing Pottery. As for the logistical side of things, Jess, who has a management degree and extensive international hospitality experience, did much of the project management too, working alongside the Ramma Construction team. 

Being hands-on and full-on is how Jess and Shelby rock. But they have, of course, called on key people as part of Nectar’s ongoing team. People like Martin Allan, who designed the menu and is executive chef (he’s ensured there’s lots of plant-based food, and meat and fish can certainly be found on the menu). And people like bar manager Katie Short, who has created cocktails especially for Nectar. 

“She does a bloody good Bloody Mary and a magnificent matcha cocktail called You’ve Met Your Matcha,” Shelby attests. Nectar also boasts an extensive and very good wine list and great coffee, too.

Also an integral part of the team is Jess and Shelby’s mother, who still does the books but admits it’s quite tricky these days with so many moving parts. Their “very grounded” dad remains an encouraging mentor, who keeps them moving forward. The couple (who raised their children in Gisborne) have retired to Russell, happily leaving their daughters to thrive at the coalface. And thriving they are.

Says Jess, “It’s been a long journey and a big logistical exercise. We signed the lease about 18 months ago, but have been dreaming it up for a long time.  

“We are super excited about this, and super excited for Tauranga, too.”

@nectar.eatery

A Winter kitchen

In contrast to the less-is-more theory, Isis Winter believes sometimes more is just more.

Words Jo Ferris / Photos supplied

Isis and Cam both have a passion for homes – either selling them as Cam does, or renovating them, which is Isis’ specialty.

Having renovated around 20 houses, she loves working within the confines of existing architectural style. Built in 1999, their current home is nearing the completion of a full refurbishment. Most recently, the all-important kitchen.

“This home lends itself to ‘contemporary traditional’ which, although it sounds like an oxymoron, actually works really well. Something old, something new, with a healthy dose of luxury for good measure.”

And this kitchen has oodles of that. Dark cabinetry, heavy-duty marble and splashes of brass.

Looking to international trends to design something not often seen locally, the Winters are self-confessed Pinterest addicts and agree these types of platforms open up a world of ideas that can guide a direction with more confidence.

Whakatane-based Beaver Kitchens were totally on board in what became an all-encompassing team effort. Interestingly, it started where Cam and Isis wanted to finish – marble benchtops throughout the kitchen into the scullery, requiring two separate insets for butler’s sinks.

“It was a risky call to design and order pre-cut marble from overseas before doing anything else. Especially given that all other choices were made in context of a small sample piece of what would eventually become the star of the show: an island measuring 2700x1700mm, encased in 60mm marble with a stunning waterfall end.”

With the old kitchen stripped out, only minor changes were required to the structural layout.  

“The kitchen is very much its own space, with wrap-around windows providing views across the grounds. A natural open connection exists with the dining space, through to the family room and formal lounge.”

A matching bar unit is that link – an extension into the dining area that houses the compulsory drinks’ fridge and cabinet, where normal glass doors give way to brass netting.

Brass is a statement feature and the perfect complement to the kitchen cabinetry’s smoky darkness. The colour is two-tone; Slate on lower units and soft grey Lana above – finished with brass drawer pulls, knobs, tapware from ABI interiors and pendants from Hinkley’s Clarke collection, sourced through Vogue Lighting.

While eyes draw initially to the striking combination of light marble and dark cabinetry, the cook station is hard to ignore.

A dual-fuel Falcon range was a clear choice. However, there was slight concern as to how country or modern this key component should be. In search for balance, the Winters’ decision was made when a preferred model became available in almost the identical colour of cabinetry. Lucky! The Elise is no longer produced.

The bespoke rangehood was all Beaver’s Michelle McAnulty – creating this unique and one-off piece – and another reason why the Winters cannot praise Beaver’s entire team enough for their endless patience and passion.

Dark, engineered oak flooring, while not part of the kitchen per se, is an essential element. This entails 190mm planks within the kitchen, and a stunning herringbone pattern using 610mm pieces throughout the dining, lounge and entrance - all framed and connected by brass inlays. Each space offers tones to the next – clear connections with the flooring and brass, but also subtle nods – such as the herringbone tiled splashbacks and herringbone flooring elsewhere.

A work of art. Finished on time, on budget. Preferring edgy design, while paying respect to timeless style, Isis says their kitchen was inspired by this notion. She also admits both she and Cam are the complete opposite of minimalists.

Which is why their story ends where it began:

“60mm marble benchtops, two-tone cabinetry, brass-knurled handles, a bespoke timeless rangehood? Sometimes more is - just more.”

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